14 DAY TRIAL // The Xbox 360 has reached the 55 million units sold mark, with Microsoft deciding to brag about the record growth experienced by its console during the fifth and sixth years of its lifecycle.
Right before the start of the E3 2011 conference, Microsoft has decided to share some new figures about its Xbox 360 and how the console managed to trump all the odds and defeat its main competitors, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, in terms of sales.
After hinting at some major entertainment-related reveals that will arrive at E3, the North American company has now announced that over 55 million Xbox 360 units have been sold across 38 countries.
What's even better, sales are accelerating, according to the company, which explains the "dramatic gains in the fifth and sixth years of this generation."
"In the first four months of 2011, Xbox 360 has seen a 29 percent year over year increase in sales, which is more than triple the growth of PlayStation 3 and the largest growth of any console on the market."
The company attributes the growth to the nearly 35 million active Xbox Live members from around the world that spend an average of almost 60 hours a month using the service.
Microsoft highlighted last week that the Xbox 360's entertainment role will increase this year, with new partnerships and services set to be unveiled to the world during the ongoing year.
"The vision for Xbox is straightforward: All of the entertainment you want. With the people you care about. Made easy. That is why you’ve seen us invest in partnerships with ESPN, Netflix and Hulu. That is why we’ve baked social directly into the experience with Xbox LIVE – connecting gamers, friends and families across the globe. That is why you’ll see Xbox marketed more as an entertainment brand this year."
Expect some exciting announcements about Xbox 360 games and services to appear later today, at Microsoft's pre-E3 2011 press conference, when the top of the range Xbox 360 might also see its price be cut to $299.